Are you heading to university this year as a direct entrant or a mature student? Time Out Glasgow blogger Kirsty has these tips and advice to help you make the most out of uni life.
I remember it like it was just last year. Probably because it was last year, but I am still struck by just how nervous and worried I was about starting uni. If you’re just about to embark on your first year as a university student too, you may have that same fear. Mine was compounded by the fact that I was not only about to embark upon a new life, flung into the fully-fledged world of academia, but that I was entering into the third year of my degree, straight from a college HND.
My transition had been mediated to a certain extent by my former college – current university students had come in and given talks, and we’d sat through an afternoon crash course on figuring out the minefield of university timetabling. But no matter how many hours you spend poring over literature written to put you at ease, that gnawing worry can be hard to remove.
But I’m here. I made it through my first year of uni (as a third year student). Being a direct entrant has its obstacles but you absolutely don’t have to go it alone. So here are some tips and things I learned about being a direct entrant.
1. Go to your university's direct entrant week
Every uni will welcome DE students differently. Some might think a quick tour of campus and a free cup of tea is enough to settle you in. If that is genuinely their take on supporting you I’d question how helpful they’re going to be throughout your academic life.
I was lucky because my university had a week-long programme of events set up for DE students. Everything from mock lectures and essay writing seminars to actual direct entrants from previous years helping out throughout the five day crash course. Drink in as much of this kind of help and support as you can, it really does help.
2. Learn how your university library works
This includes everything from that pesky Dewey Decimal classification system to how the intranet system works on campus. There should be free and regular classes available on campus that help break it all down. Some of them will be deathly boring (I know how to type in a username, thanks) but in the long run you’ll be thankful you stayed awake.
3. Socialise
It can be daunting to walk into a second or third year class when everyone around you has already been given the chance to get to know one another. Even if drinking shots through your eyeball isn’t your type of party, there will be other ways to socialise. Look at what societies and groups your university already has on offer, there’s probably something for every interest. If that Shakespeare society you’ve been pining for isn’t there, start it up and watch your fellow thespians follow. Societies are also great for boosting your CV.
4. Answer the essay questions
This sounds like a stupid thing to say but answering the key to acing essays is all in the wording of the actual question. Look up what specific essay terms are actually asking of you; for example, analysing something is different from comparing, critically evaluating or discussing. Don’t panic! If in doubt, ask your lecturer. They are there to help.
5. Don't get stressed
It’s so easy to say but stress won’t help you. My university regularly hold Therapets sessions, allowing students to go along and spend an hour with some cute little furry friends. But even if these types of events aren’t allaying your worries, there are people you can talk to. Don’t become isolated: talk to your lecturer, course head or personal academic tutor. They’re there to support you.
Mostly though, try and enjoy your university life no matter what year you’re going into. It’s such a fantastic time and opportunity to learn about something you’re hopefully passionate about. Good luck!
Trying to make your student budget go a bit further? See Time Out's guide to Glasgow's best cheap eats.